The Green Team welcomed over 200 students of Hopkins village, parents and teachers to the first ever ‘Back to School’ Fest hosted by the Green Team members of Hamanasi Resort on Saturday August 24, 2013 at the Catholic Church compound.

Joining Mr. Walton Rodriquez and the rest of the Green Team for the opening ceremony was the principal of the Holy Family RC School, Mrs. Seferina Castillo, who kindly agreed to present the backpacks.

The Fest was abuzz with activities, excitement, competitive spirits of the young ones, free snacks and lively music provide by a member of the community.

The purpose of the fest was to donate backpacks filled with an assortment of school supplies and other educational tools to 30 economically disadvantage/less fortunate kids as well as involving other kids in the community to participate in the different fun activities. The Green Team members also took advantage of the event by getting the kids to make easy eco-friendly mosquito traps to be used in homes and creating awareness of recycle, reduce and reuse practices.

Each kid had a chance to win cool prizes of a variety of school supplies which helped students, teachers and parents get prepared for the new school year.

We gave thanks to all our members and contributors that make this event a success!

Our mixologist Mark Jacobs is officially the WINNER of the annual Belize Traveller’s Rum Bartending competition. The competition featured over 20 participants country wide which consisted Traveller’s rum exclusively infused with tropical fruits and a secret basket of ingredients where creativity, taste and showmanship winners were chosen from each district. Mark Jacobs was one of the finalist for Southern Belize. On October 25th Traveller’s Rum had the semi final competition in Belize City and Mark stellar performance and creativity stole the crowd’s and judges taste buds. Mark winning rewards was BZ$2000 courtesy of Traveller’s Rum and a touch screen telephone courtesy of Smart Belize.

On behalf of Hamanasi Staff and Management, we want to thank everyone that visited us for the month of April 2013. We hope that you all have a great vacation experience with us and we can’t wait to have you back!

“Everyone was great, excellent customer service!”

Robin and Gus Barker, Centralia, WA

“The service standards you are at are fantastic and a great credit to everybody involved.”

Michael and Cara Veale, Hamilton, Bermuda

“Everyone was awesome! I don’t think out lives could have been made any easier during our stay. Kudos!”

Amy Schwambach and Mike Franqui, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

“Your staff is exceptional. All were helpful, friendly and very personable. They have wonderful customer service skills.”

Glenn and Pam Seiler, Alameda, CA

“This was easily the best vacation I’ve ever been on!”

Kiera Quinlan and Elisa Apostle, Tacoma, WA

“I don’t see how you can improve on perfection.”

Bonnie Reeves, Hermosa Beach, CA

“We had a great experience with everyone. As nice as the place is the best part of our stay was the staff!”

• Season lamb with salt, cayenne pepper, jerk seasoning and garlic powder right before putting them in the very hot deep pot coated with on the inside with canola oil.

• Once lamb caramelizes on both sides cover with water, add in tomato sauce and cover. Cook for at least a minimum of 2 hours or until liquid reduces exposing half of the lamb and make sure lamb is tender. Add more water if needed.

• Check flavor and add in more salt if needed.

• In a small frying pan add in 5 tbsp of butter and equal parts flour to make a roux which you will use to thicken the lamb gravy.

• Remove the lamb from the gravy then add in the roux piece by piece to thicken the gravy to the consistency you prefer.

• Place the lamb back in the gravy once the consistency is to your choice.

• Serve with your choice of sides, Happy cookings from the Hamanasi kitchen!

The Hamanasi Green Team participated at the Holy family School Fair March 2013. This energetic team had 1 goal in mind, to create as much awareness about our environment and the impact we have on it, and to achieve this they set out to impart their knowledge to the local Hopkins residents.

They had a fresh supply of Lion Fish Ceviche for sale – and gave out interesting facts of what damage this fish does to our reef system and how we can help by eliminating or at least decreasing the numbers. Less than 20% of residents did not know that lion fish is edible and so tasty!

Fresh produce like lettuce, bok choy, cabbage and herbs from Hamanasi’s organic garden were on display and the team encouraged the benefits of backyard gardening and composting.

They also talked about the goals of each department within Hamanasi Resort and all the eco-friendly products that are used at the Resort.

The team also had lots of fun giving out some Prizes; all you had to do was answer an easy question to win a Hamanasi t-shirt, water bottles or a lunch voucher for the restaurant. 100 coconuts plants were given away to be planted. The feedback from the public was very positive and refreshing. Overall is was a successfully event for everyone

“Everyone was extremely helpful and kind. it was a pleasure to be around people who really like their jobs!

Julie Greer, Seattle, WA

“Just keep on doing all the special things you do – it was amazing how everyone knew our names; checked on us frequently and went the extra effort to accommodate us.”

Tom Strike and Family, Winnipeg, Canada

“I thought that among all luxury properties to where I’ve travelled, this had the best service I’ve experience.”

Michael and Donna Levy,

“We are Travel Agents and this was absolutely one of the best vacations ever!”

Rodney and Lisa George, Saint Louis, MO

“Unbelievable!!! So happy to see how everything is used to potential in the organic garden.”

Valerie and Patrick Harwood, Omaha, NE

“Service is the highlight of the resort!”

Wayne Parman and Jana Obrien, Oak Park, IL

“Everyone was so friendly and helpful during our stay. It’s one of the reasons we want to come back. Thank you for being and eco-friendly resort, this was an important part of choosing Hamanasi for us. Keep up the good work!”

Marie-Andree Lamando, Montreal, Canada

“The best vacation of my life, a true vacation. Best customer service I have ever received anywhere.”

Joe and Lynee Fornes, Greenville, NC

“You guys have it perfect!”

Brian Daugbjerg Family, Longview, TX

“You’ve already worked so hard to make this such an incredible place.”

Joshua and Anna Kollaja, Westminster, CO

“Not one way could our visit been more perfect! Our whole trip we felt life family. Every little request was met and with attention and speed we couldn’t hope to expect.”

Jesse and Whitney Hill, Bentonville, AR

“Service was impeccable from dining wait staff to diving/snorkeling staff to grounds personnel and tour guides. You understand service!”

Rose and Ronald Anderson, Renton, WA

“Everything and everybody was top-notch!”

Becky and Salomon Toelkes, Glenpool, OK

“Continue doing the quality of products/services currently provided. Customer service was top drawer, consistently. A wonderful place , very special trip!”

Pam Gibbes and Ray Smith, Fort Mill, SC

“This is the best service I have ever had!”

Lisa Rich and Family, Brookfield, WI

“You are doing a great job of hiring well and paying attention to detail! Keep it up.”